Merrill, IA
Population 885 · Iowa
About Merrill, IA
Merrill is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 885 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,250 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Merrill features a median home value of $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Merrill in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $581, 50% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 382 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (281 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (62 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Merrill shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Merrill have an average one-way commute time of 19.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.9% of Merrill residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Merrill, IA
Compared to national averages, Merrill has a median household income of $79,250 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,200, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $581 is 50% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Merrill's income is 17% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 19% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Merrill, IA?
Merrill offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,250, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $157,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $581/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and a low poverty rate of 4.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.1 minutes.
Merrill has a population of 885 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Merrill with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Merrill
What is the population of Merrill, IA?
The population of Merrill, IA is 885 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Merrill?
The median household income in Merrill, IA is $79,250 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Merrill?
The median home value in Merrill, IA is $157,200, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Merrill?
The median monthly rent in Merrill, IA is $581, which is 50% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Merrill?
The unemployment rate in Merrill, IA is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Merrill, IA a good place to live?
Merrill offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 885 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Merrill, IA?
11.9% of residents in Merrill aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Merrill?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Merrill, IA: median home value is $157,200 (36% below national), median rent is $581/month, and median household income is $79,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Merrill?
The poverty rate in Merrill, IA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Merrill, IA?
Merrill's population is 0.8% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.